I understand that in order to claim Working Tax Credit (if over 25), you must work at least 30 hours per week.
I work ~40 hours a week, but as a PhD student. PhD stipends are untaxable (a very rare exception, only shared [to my knowledge] with vicars). This puts me below the earning threshold to be able to claim Working Tax Credit.
In the eyes of HMRC, do I work enough hours to qualify for Working Tax Credit? I do not have to declare the fact that I earn a stipend to HMRC, so can I claim that the 40 hours per week are actually work?
I work ~40 hours a week, but as a PhD student. PhD stipends are untaxable (a very rare exception, only shared [to my knowledge] with vicars). This puts me below the earning threshold to be able to claim Working Tax Credit.
In the eyes of HMRC, do I work enough hours to qualify for Working Tax Credit? I do not have to declare the fact that I earn a stipend to HMRC, so can I claim that the 40 hours per week are actually work?